Ready or Not...

So here we are, another semester. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by!

Last semester, though... last semester really sucked. I can't give any one reason why, but I didn't care for my instructors (I'm not the only one) and it didn't help. Just because one has the credentials, does not mean that one should teach. I was also suffering from a severe lack of motivation in the beginning of the semester, which lead to a constant game of catch up. Only one of my classes was difficult, but I ended up not doing so great in both. Again, not a great semester, but it's over with and I passed my classes, so moving on....

This semester though... this semester is going to rock! I can already feel it. My motivation is in overdrive. Don't get me wrong, the classes I have are difficult. Though they compliment each other nicely, I have been warned by a few (instructors included) that the combination of Microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology II is not going to be easy.

I think my motivation this semester is partially due to the fact that I have very competent and pure awesome instructors, the kind that truly inspire you. I was even stopping myself from clapping in one of my classes during lecture, just for the mere fact that everything he said made sense! (Dork alert, I know) I know with instructors it can be a "win some loose some" situation and especially at the community college level, but this semester is a total WIN. I don't want to get ahead of myself since it's only been one week, but so far, they rock. They are tough and very strict, but if they know what they are doing and do it well, they can be. Also, I have successfully arranged a study group for my A&P II class, something I should have done last semester (live and learn).

Another thing that is helping is I've added working out to my daily schedule. Yes, another thing that I have squished into my schedule. I never really gained the "freshman 15" when I was in college after high school, the only significant gaining I've done was the "Knocked up 100." Yet, if there is a "freshman 15" for the unconventional returning student.... I managed to do it... and then some. So, I've put myself on a strict diet/workout regimen and it's been paying off. Not only is it paying off on the scale, but it's paying off on my motivation. I study after my morning workout (post shower) and it really helps my concentration. I know that there are studies that say exactly that, so I am not learning anything new.... but it's nice to see that they are right about it.

I am just so excited I had to share it, even if no one else cared. If I've totally bored you, I'm sorry I cannot refund the last 3 minutes of your life, assuming you made it here.

Study groups and Jillian Michaels workouts,

Desiree

Old School

So I've made a new discovery. Actually it's not new, it's been used for a long time, probably because it works.
The last week or so my kiddos have been having a hard time getting along. Sure they are siblings, so it's no surprise that there is going to be fighting from time to time. Yet between Ethan being home from school on break, the rustle and bustle of the holidays and the cold weather, it's gotten a little out of hand. We are all a little stir crazy.

But.. AHHHHHHHHH!

The other day it was a back in forth thing where one or the other was in time out or in trouble, it was the only thing they could consistently take turns at. I was at my wits end and on top of it fighting off a bug. So I decided to initiate something from my school days.
Remember when a fight would break out in the hallway and both students would get into trouble no matter who started it? I remember thinking that it was so unfair for the person who didn't instigate. I realize now the reason they did it... it works. I have started making both kids accountable for arguments, fights, etc. no matter who "started it." Here is what I have found:

1) Less fights.
2) One or the other usually tries to dissolve the situation before the word "MOM!" breaks out. Not only is it quieter and more peaceful, but they are learning to resolve their own issues, great tool.
3) Less tattle telling. 
4) They too, don't think it's fair. Another important life lesson.

Of course with the tattle telling issue, I have to make myself clear which is tattle telling and what things need to be told as concerns for safety are more important.

I am sure all of this and so much more (for and against) are written in a plethora of Parenting books and magazines, and handful or so of which are collecting dust on my bookshelf or in a box in the crawlspace. I'll be honest, the only books I am reading right now are textbooks and I struggle with finding time for those, so they continue to sit. Not to mention all kids are different, (age and gender aside) what works for one, doesn't always work for the other and what works this month, probably wont work next.

If there is one thing about parenting that I have learned, is the rules of the game are constantly changing and even the smallest victories deserve the attention of a Super Bowl ring. This game play wont always work and there are always exceptions to rules, but right now as I type they are both coloring in peace and WWIII hasn't broke out over a navy blue crayon that they both HAVE TO use.

Happy New Year

So here we are 2011. I'm feeling pretty neutral about the new year. 2010 was pretty good to me, so it was nice to seamlessly skate on into a new year with as much hopefulness that got me through 2010. 08 and 09 were not so great and I am very happy to see them far in my rear view mirror.
I'm not big on the resolution bit, so no resolutions for me. Don't get me wrong I have some goals for myself but I think putting them on a "list of resolutions' cheapens them and sets myself up for disappointment. 
My New Years Eve was laid back and quiet and it was so nice. The kiddos were at Dad's but I still rang in the New Year in great company.

2010
One year ago I made the decision to go back to school for nursing and can't believe it has gone by so fast, only 13.75 years to go. Seriously, I'm not counting down the time quite yet, too soon for that and too overwhelming.
Ethan made the transition from Kindergarten to First grade and is doing very well. He also started Cub Scouts as I began my journey as his Den leader. I couldn't be more proud of my little man.
In April Maci turned 3 and is getting smarter and more independent by the day. My very independent "I can do it myself" little girl, and beneath the daily challenges she hands me, I am beaming with pride.
I was able to open my heart a bit to new people and things in 2010 and so far so good.   

2011
I am excited for the things to come for 2011. By the end of my spring semester I will be able to put myself on the wait list for my fall back nursing program, which felt so far away last year.
Ethan will be crossing over from Tiger scouts this spring and will no longer be in the youngest Den in our pack, and I will have a tad more Den Leader knowledge under my belt. He will also be going from First to Second grade and moving closer to that day when my goodbye hugs and kisses will have to exist in the car since a) he won't want me to walk him to his classroom (which has already started) and b) even if he did let me walk him to his classroom, affection would be a big no-no in public. I have been warned by plenty, but for right now I will hold on to my PDA's for as long as I'm able to. He is and always will be my snuggle buddy.
Maci will be 4 this year and will be starting preschool. As she sits here next to me in her pink tutu and pink leggings and kitty cat shirt that says, fittingly, "smarty pants" it's harder to see her grow up than it has been for Ethan. Maybe because she is a girl, or my youngest or maybe since I wont be having anymore children. All very likely variables. Either way, she will continue to grow and I am excited to see the sweet, smart and independent person she will become. 

Overall, life is good, I am so lucky to have the people in my life who continue to stand by me and I am so proud to call them my friends and family. Happy 2011 All, I hope it is filled with awesomeness as mine is sure to be!

Random Acts of Irritation

I have a handful or so of pet peeves, but I feel strongly enough about one of them that I need to post about it. Now that the semester is over I have a few extra minutes a day to do such posting, so watch out, I may become the Postinator, Super Poster, Blogger McBloggerton or the lesser known Bloggy Round Pants.
(too lazy to post a cheesy graphic here)

 Anyway....

I go to the grocery store a lot, much more than I would like to. Every time I get so annoyed by all the grocery carts (or buggies, whichever you prefer) scattered all over the parking lot. Now, I am just as lazy as the next guy, but come on people! Can you not walk the twenty extra feet to put the cart in its designated area so that I, and many other people, don't have to drive into the parking lot dodging carts? It's enough to have to dodge the people who think that they should walk right down the middle of the parking lot isle, or the other drivers who think the parking lot is Rocky Mountain Speedway. I will not forget to mention the parking spot stalkers, the ones who want to jam up everything while waiting for someone to load all of their groceries so that they can steal that perfect spot. If they are too lazy to park further, they too, are probably too lazy to put their buggies away as well. Now I'm not one to bitch without giving solutions, so here they are for all you lazy, I'm going to leave my buggy anywhere in the parking lot people:


1) I get it, I'm a parent too. If you're anything like me I load up the kids, then load up the groceries. I too feel uncomfortable leaving the little ones in the car while I return the buggy. Here's a thought, plan ahead, when you park make sure you park next to a buggy return location, that way it's right there... BAMN! Grocery cart returned.

2) I am not one to hate on those who are either disabled or injured, and the trip to return the cart just isn't within your reach. I know, you just wandered around the entire grocery store and your injured knee just cannot handle the extra 20 feet. I get it, I've been working out with Jillian Michaels and my sore legs are having a hard time just trying to sit on the toilet. So.... when the nice young man asks you if you would like help out to your car, take it. They will walk you out, help load your groceries AND take your cart. DONE!

3) If you're anything like me, when you get home you like to make as little trips back and forth to the car unloading your groceries. You try to load up as many bags on your arm and recruit the kiddos to help out as well. Why not take that same idea while you're on your way out of the store? If you have a few bags, load'em up on your arms, leave the buggy at the store and you don't even have to worry about returning the cart. VIOLA!

4) Now... if none of the above applies to you. You cannot find a spot close to the return area, you are not hurting and cannot bring yourself to ask for help, and/or have a months worth of groceries in your cart and have to wheel the buggy to your car. Here is my solution: Get over it! Take the extra 30 seconds to put the cart away. Most likely you were the aforementioned person who waited for the supreme spot and are super close to the store. I know what you're thinking, "but there isn't any return area close to my car" (awwww) that's because you are 10 feet away from the store and can return it to the area where you retrieved your cart!

Last week I had a very pleasing moment. I was walking with my buggy full of groceries out to my car and watched this lady take her cart and park it right behind my car! I almost had to laugh as she was looking around to see if anyone had noticed her moment of lazy/rudeness. So I hurried up to make sure I arrived before she pulled out of her spot. My first inclination was to take the cart and park it behind hers.. yeah... that'll show her! Instead, I took the cart and pushed it right by her window, looked at her and smiled, making sure she noticed me. I then continued to walk her buggy over to the gentleman who was in the parking lot retrieving stray carts. I looked over as she tried to hightail it out of there, obviously embarrassed by her act of rudeness. Proudly, I continued to unload my groceries and then I walked my buggy over to it's designated area. 

Update to "My 15 Minutes of Fame"

Here is a clip that features our solar panels! You can find their YouTube Videos here.

My 15 Minutes of Fame

The Star!

OK, OK, not really my 15 minutes of fame... more like our backyard's... more specifically our solar panels. They finally got the much deserved recognition they have been longing for.
Last week a producer from The Urban Conversion came by and asked if they could do some filming for their show in our back yard, using our solar panels as a back drop, and of course we said yes. So Saturday morning our back yard was host to producers, a camera man and the shows host, Rodman. When they arrived my mom had led them out back and then came rushing in freaking out, "They want to interview me!" She then followed up with the words I love to hear,"You have to fix me up!" You see, my mom is not a girly girl. She's worked in a predominately male field for so long, and she was too busy working and raising us kids to even bother with hair, make up and fashion. So of course I grab any chance to show everyone how beautiful she really is! We did a quick make over and went outside. They did their 30 second bit and then did the interview with mom, she was a bit nervous but did great. I stayed behind the camera where I belong.

The pictures weren't great, I was taking them with my phone and trying to make it look like I wasn't taking pictures.

I don't know when they will be airing any of it, but they said they would keep us updated. The show is still in the newborn stage and they are working on pitching to networks, so right now their home resides on YouTube and the World Wide Web.

I have to admit I was completely mortified at the way our yard looked. As unofficial grounds keeper it has been my job to keep our little over an acre lot looking, well, decent. I really love doing it. Nothing else is as relaxing as throwing on a tank and jeans (and sunscreen), grabbing a beer (or few), putting my headphones on and zoning out on yard work for a few hours in the Colorado sun. I was doing great this summer, even got over my fear of the scary weed whacker, until the end of August when my fall semester started and it has (among many other things) kept me very busy.

This was very exciting for my mom as she is quite "green." We have the solar panels and recycle just about every thing we can. I take more to recycle every week than the trash company picks up in a month. We have started construction of the worm home for our compost and have been shopping around for a chicken coop. Within the next year, because of our growing water bill, we are planning on having a rain catcher system installed. It is a lot of work to start up these projects, but the benefits certainly out weigh the initial cost/labor investment.

unscheduled pleaseure

My life revolves around my Outlook Calender and Tasks. Thank you Microsoft for giving me the tools to schedule almost every minute of my day; I have become become a slave to your reminder ridden, color coded wonderfulness. Most of the time I follow it pretty strictly, if I didn't chapters wouldn't get read, tests would be failed, Den meetings wouldn't get planned, soccer games would be missed and birthdays forgotten. I have become accustomed to this lifestyle and have come to terms with this aspect of growing up and parenthood. 

This afternoon Ethan went to his Dad's, my Mom and Maci got situated with some Granny/Maci time, and as planned, I snuck off for a few hours to get some studying done. About 30 minutes into my studying I received a text (I know, I should turn my phone off while studying, but I'm weak) from my friend, Jim, who I hadn't seen in a number of months, the conversation went something like this:
Jim: You busy tonight?
Me: Why, what's up?
Jim: Want to go for a walk in the park?
(normally, I would respond by saying that I was studying and maybe some other time, but a walk in the park sounded very appealing, especially after the busy week I've had)
Me: A walk would be nice, I have to get a little more studying done, how about in a couple hours?

I let my mom know I would be home an hour later than planned (since she was home with Maci) and shaved off 1-2 hours of study time. I planned to get the majority of my studying done before going and decided I be home at a reasonable hour and finish when I got home.

Jim and I met up at a place in Boulder, we had decided on a simple hike/picnic instead. Both of us must have been under the delusion it was still summer, since the sun was setting as we began our trek up the foothill. Jim brought some snacky snacks, and since there was a shortage of picnic tables on the narrow path, we laid down a blanket he had brought on a little bridge, and had a picnic by moon/flashlight. We chatted a bit and caught up on the happening of each others lives.
(Side note: Jim is the photographer that had done my pin-up style photos. Check out some of his work here).

After a little eating and chatting, we packed up and head down the hill. About half way down, we spotted something move towards the edge of the path. We had joked earlier about getting eaten by wildlife since we were the idiots walking around the foothills... at night... and with no one around. So naturally I was a bit spooked (more like we both peed ourselves a little). Upon further inspection with Jim's flashlight, we had come across a young deer who stood silently looking back at us, only about 15 feet away. He was beautiful, and I just stood there and took it all in. I wish I had brought a camera, and of course the photographer I did bring, was camera-less. I took a minute to just take it in and appreciate the moment. I felt lucky that I live in such a wonderful state and a little proud of myself for taking some time for me and tossing my schedule aside, if only for a couple hours.
The deer finally ran off and we continued our trek to our cars so that I could head home and finish the studying I needed to do.




The deer we saw looked similar to this guy, just pretend it's night time.



Spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well organized routine a bit of unscheduled pleasure.

- Richard Iannelli